Quarter of Britons say alcohol is good for you

Over 25% of Britons think that alcohol is good for their health, a survey has revealed.

Market analyst Mintel asked 1,000 adults across the country about their views on drinking. Only 9% stated that they though alcohol was actually bad for their health.

Although the health benefits of red wine have been widely publicised, public opinion goes beyond this.

‘It is not just those who are at real risk from heart disease, or those who are likely to drink red wine, who feel that alcohol can have health benefits,’ Amanda Lintott of Mintel told UK newspaper the Guardian.

Around 17% of those who took part in the survey said they were convinced alcohol relieved stress.

A spokeswoman for Alcohol Concern did concede that in moderate amounts, alcohol was good for you. However, she was keen to stress that the quantity consumed and the sociological reasons behind drinking were very important.

‘It is very much the quantities and the context in which alcohol is consumed. Quite a little does you good, but more doesn’t do you better,’ said Anne Jenkins of Alcohol Concern. She added that alcohol was not proven to relieve stress.

Written by Oliver Styles